India fast bowler Arshdeep Singh has been fined 15 % of his match fee and given a demerit point by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand national cricket team in Ahmedabad.
The sanction stems from an incident in the 11th over of New Zealand’s innings on Sunday, when Arshdeep fielded the ball and threw it towards batsman Daryl Mitchell, striking him on the pads in an inappropriate and potentially dangerous manner, according to the ICC’s official media release.
Under Article 2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which prohibits throwing a ball or any cricket equipment at or near a player in an inappropriate way during an international match, Arshdeep’s action was deemed a Level 1 breach. He accepted the sanction proposed by the ICC match referee, meaning a formal disciplinary hearing was not required.
In addition to the fine, one demerit point has been added to Arshdeep’s disciplinary record, his first within a 24‑month period. ICC regulations state that accumulating four or more demerit points within two years can lead to suspension points.
The tense moment briefly sparked on‑field reactions, including a sharp response from Mitchell. India captain Suryakumar Yadav intervened to calm the situation, and both players later shook hands after the over. Arshdeep also apologised to Mitchell following the incident.
Despite the controversy, India went on to secure a comprehensive 96‑run victory over New Zealand in the final, becoming the first men’s team to win and defend the T20 World Cup title three times.